The average user will most likely be searching for the best steam iron for home use, mainly to get rid of the wrinkles on clothes. However, upon discovering the wide variety of models available, what initially seemed like a no-brainer may turn into a challenging task. If you want a standard, fairly-priced steam iron that does a fantastic job on all types of clothing, the Sunbeam Steam Master GCSBSP-201-FFP is for you.

Sunbeam’s Steam Master is a well-known favorite among customers. The model is the 3rd best-selling Steam Iron on Amazon, where it can currently be purchased for just around $30. Although there are indeed some recurring complaints regarding the Steam Master, thousands of users have praised its affordability, versatility, and general value.

Main Features

1400W power

Variable steam control

Smart automatic shutoff

8-foot retractable cord

Self-cleaning anti-calcium system

Design & Usability

The Steam Master’s design isn’t anything spectacular. It may not have the perks that the pricier models on our list show off, but it’s undoubtedly practical. The iron features 15 steam holes, an 8-oz. water tank, and an 8-foot retractable cord, along with self-cleaning technology. Unfortunately, there are also alarming reports of the front section melting or that it’s difficult to fill the tank with water.

For such an affordable model, the Steam Master has gotten awesome usability points from our team. Despite lacking numerous settings, it works superbly on both durable and delicate fabrics. The steam shot feature enables you to remove wrinkles not only on an ironing board but also through vertical steaming. Moreover, the non-stick and anti-drip soleplate help prevent ruining clothes.

Quality & Performance

For a $30 steam iron, the Steam Master delivers reasonable quality. Indeed, there are several customers that complained about their unit dying out after 2-3 months, but the vast majority of users are quite pleased with the value they got. If you ever have any issues with your iron, reach out to Sunbeam’s customer support to tap into your 1-year warranty.

Don’t let the lack of hundreds of soleplate holes fool you – the model produces more than enough steam. The Steam Master heats up in no time and will swiftly glide over various clothes, all while maintaining safety through its 3-way auto shutoff feature. If you decide to get one, you can perfect your ironing skills by researching additional tips and tricks on the craft.

Although most our readers probably iron at home, others require a quality steam iron for professional purposes. People with cleaning businesses, sewers, or other users who generally work with fabrics for a living have totally different requirements. Whether you fall under the latter category or you just want top-notch ironing results, we recommend the Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam.

Made by acclaimed appliance manufacturer Rowenta, the Perfect Steam DG8520 is a top-of-the-line steam station worthy of commercial use. The outstanding model is preferred by selective users from around the country, even though it is notably expensive. You can currently order it on Amazon for about $300, which makes it the priciest steam iron on our list.

Main Features

47-ounce tank

400-hole stainless steel soleplate

1800 watts power

2 pressure bars

120 g/min. steam output

Design & Usability

There are a number of design features that make the DG8520 worth the investment. The unit comes with an extra-large, 47-oz. tank that you can remove to fill with water. Additionally, the stainless steel soleplate features 400 microsteam holes for extended coverage. On the back of the station, there is an Eco button that reduces the energy for each ironing session up to 20%.

Curtains, fabric yardage, and drapes are all easily ironed with the DG850 Perfect Steam, whether traditionally or vertically. Thanks to the safety lock system, you don’t have to worry about the iron falling off or children getting hurt. The entire station weighs a bit over 12 pounds, but you can conveniently place it on the metal basket of your ironing board.

Quality & Performance

It’s obvious that the DG8520 is a professional-grade steam station that can handle basically anything you throw at it. Be that as it may, there is quite a debate going on regarding the DG8520 versus the DG8430, its predecessor. Although there are visible upgrades (tank design, steam output, precision shot, etc.), long-time Rowenta fans believe the company just doesn’t make them like they used to.

Notwithstanding, the Perfect Steam is unquestionably a beast, packing in 1800 watts of power with 90 minutes of continuous steam on a full tank. Although there are only a few main levels, the brand’s signature precision knob allows you to tweak the steam as much as you need to. With the Perfect Steam, ironing is fast, powerful, and quite pleasurable.

When you’re in a rush, the last thing you want is running late because you couldn’t iron your outfit on time. If you tend to be as busy as a bee or a full-tie procrastinator, you’ll need the best steam iron there is. One that is fast, reliable, and efficient. A product we highly recommend because it won’t cost a fortune is the Maytag M400, a steam iron that is applauded for its speediness and precision.

Despite not being a top 10 Amazon best-seller, the M400 has an impressive Amazon rating of 4.1 stars from happy customers. Its list price is just under $50, but you might save a few dollars if you catch one of the many discounts. Owing to positive consumer feedback and fair pricing, the product is also recommended as one of Amazon’s Choices.

Main Features

6 fabric settings

1500W power

1-oz. tank capacity

8-foot cord

Self-clean button

Design & Usability

Design-wise, there are some advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of. We’ll start with the bad news, namely that the model requires frequent refilling due to the fast water consumption. Setting that aspect to the side, the M400 has cool perks like 3-way auto shutoff, a self-cleaning button, and a little plastic container you can use for pouring water in the tank.

Thanks to the six distinct steam settings, you can conveniently use the M400 for a number of fabrics. Feel free to iron linen, cotton, silk, wool, nylon or synthetics by rotating the knob. All of these options are clearly printed on the thermostat dial under the handle so you won’t risk any accidents. You’ll also enjoy an intuitive button that enables vertical steaming.

Quality & Performance

The real issue with the M400 appears to be quality-related. As opposed to countless other Maytag products, this item in particular looks and feels cheaply made. Even more, consumers report that it may break easily just by dropping it onto the floor. Regretfully, other users have also complained about the iron dying out after just several months of use.

Nonetheless, the M400 delivers amazing performance. The iron produces steam in 3 seconds, while the maximum heat level is obtained in just 40 seconds. Furthermore, it is one of the few models on our list that basically has no report of leaking. As a result, it’s the best steam iron for ultra-busy users that can’t afford to waste more time than necessary getting ready for the day.

We’ve talked about the best steam iron for professional results, but what if you need one that’s even more heavy duty? It can be tricky to find an industrial-grade steam iron if you’re not purchasing on behalf of a company. However, it’s not impossible, especially if you come across the Silver Star ES-300. The self-contained, gravity-fed ironing system is ideal even for the toughest of tasks.

You can find the Silver Star ES-300 on Amazon in the $100 range, give or take a few dollars. Unluckily, you won’t come across that much information about the product, but we have included all the specs and benefits possible in our review. Even though you may not know much about the model, it’s actually often purchased by companies in various branches of the cleaning service industry.

Main Features

1000W power

Shoe demineralizer option

Gravity feed steam iron

Stainless steel soleplate

Tank, Teflon shoe, hose, iron rest, and filter included

Design & Usability

The whole Silver Star ironing system weighs 8.3 pounds, while the iron itself is a bit over 4 1/2 pounds. It may be heavier than your average unit, but the added weight improves the ironing experience. The ES-300 has the typical silhouette of an industrial steam iron, and the package includes a filter, Teflon shoe, big tank, hose, and iron rest. In other words, you have all the accessories you need to get to work.

If you’re not accustomed to using industrial-grade irons, you may be a little intimidated by the assembly process. Nevertheless, there’s nothing that an online tutorial can’t solve. To ensure that you have everything you need beforehand, we also recommend purchasing an affordable I.V. stand. Don’t forget – the ES-300 is a gravity fed steam iron, meaning that you’ll have to keep it elevated.

Quality & Performance

All in all, the Silver Star steam iron is a terrific unit if your ironing is at an industrial level. Still, we can’t ignore the reports claiming that the model may require periodic repairs after continuous heavy use (+12 hours a day). It also has the minor inconvenience that it does not generate an abundance of steam during every session. Aside from these comments, the ES-300 is generally complimented.

In terms of performance, the Silver Star ES-300 is a mean, lean, ironing machine, withstanding hours on end of hard work. The system features an extra-large water tank, which means that you won’t have to waste time filling it up when you have tons of items to iron. In addition, it heats up quickly and effectively irons out even the peskiest of wrinkles from delicate or rough fabrics.

Vertically steaming your clothes comes with quite some advantages. The process is safe for all types of fabrics, works with complex garments, and takes less time than ironing. Basically, the only real disadvantages are that you can’t create sharp creases and that steaming stations are on the pricey side. But what if you had a unit that worked both as a steamer and as an iron? The SALAV ST-50 is the solution you’ve been waiting for.

The ST-50 by prestigious steam appliance manufacturer SALAV provides high-quality wrinkle elimination services. All the same, the premium results you’ll see come at quite the price. On Amazon, the SAAV ST-50 steaming and ironing station currently retails for around $250. As opposed to other expensive models, you get exceptional value through a fully adaptable system.

Main Features

Design & Usability

If you’re big on aesthetics, you will absolutely adore the ST-50. The iron and steam station is coated in a beautiful shade of rose gold, with a shimmering metallic finish. Despite its large size when in full frame, it easily folds down to portable, easy-to-store measurements. The station was designed with a spacious 40.5-ounce water tank, allowing you to enjoy more ironing and steaming at a time.

Possibly the coolest part about the SALAV station is that it’s completely functional as a traditional steamer just as it is a standard iron. The main body effortlessly transforms from a tall vertical frame to a regular ironing table just by adjusting the telescopic poles. Plus, the handle features a rotating nozzle so you can iron or steam at your preferred angle.

Quality & Performance

It’s crystal clear that quality isn’t an issue with the ST-50 steam station. The manufacturing company is the largest of its kind in the world, known for designing premium quality steaming tools (hence the price). Sure, there may be drawbacks like the cord curling or that the ironing board is rather small, but the all-around value you get is astounding.

So, the ST-50 looks incredible and is extremely versatile, but how well does it perform? In spite of its 10 steam holes, the unit uses a 1800W dual-heating system that makes the station and nozzle work together to obtain the optimum temperature. You can also remove the station from its base for steaming upholstery, curtains, and bed sheets throughout the house. As a side note, if you’re as fond of technology as you are with fashion and visuals, you should also take a look at our best smart watches guide.

Whether your job requires you to travel or you love discovering different cultures on your own, your garments should still be in tip-top shape. Sadly, you won’t find steam irons in all the places you arrive, or you might find models that won’t do your fabrics justice. In this case, you should consider investing in a travel steam iron like the Steamfast SF-717.

The SF-717 model from Steamfast is the #4 best-selling item out of all products in the Irons Amazon category. Not only does it cost only about $30 at its full list price, but it also has a trustworthy average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. With palm-sized dimensions, it easily becomes your go-to steam iron when leaving for an extended trip.

Main Features

1 lb. weight

2” x 3” x 3.1” measurements

3 temperature settings

5-foot power cord

Travel bag and measuring cup included

Design & Usability

Steamfast’s SF-717 weighs 1 pound and has a length of only 5.2 inches. Consequently, it can fit into any carry-on suitcase without having to sacrifice other items. The model’s water tank has a 1.4-ounce capacity, which is usually enough for a few t-shirts before having to do a refill. You can choose from one of three temperature settings, based on the type of material you’re ironing.

Another awesome part about the SF-717 is its broad usability. Although it isn’t intended to replace your standard iron, it can be easily used for multiple purposes. Aside from carrying it with you for your travels, you can also count on the model if you engage in patchwork, sewing or other similar crafts and hobbies. Likewise, it’s a joy for pressing or spot ironing for touch-ups.

Quality & Performance

As with most accessible steam irons, the SF-717 may not have a lengthy product life. Still, if you intend on casually using it for your travels, you shouldn’t have any major problems. Considering that it’s in the $30 price range, the quality is quite satisfying. Besides, sales do the talking, and the Steamfast SF-717’s best-seller label speaks louder than words.

The unit generates from 100 to 420 watts of power depending on the setting, so it would be unreasonable to expect incredibly high temperatures. For all that, it does a fine job of quick ironing for both travelers and sewers. The model’s ergonomic design makes it simple to maneuver, particularly when working with smaller garments or pieces of material. You can avoid any drips or leakage that some customers complain about by reading the “important notice” label on the iron.

Authentic consumer reports are everything when you want to determine the real-life quality of a product you’re interested in. If you’re going to invest in the best steam iron, the performance should match the advertisement, and ratings are the way to check. As far as feedback is concerned, you can hardly get any better than the CHI 13102.

You may not be familiar with the CHI brand, but the ever-growing fan base is ecstatic about finding it as an alternative for Rowenta. The 13102 model, in particular, has an Amazon price of about $100, with features that competitors offer for twice the price. Most importantly, it has a huge 4.4-star average customer rating. Aside from its impressive feedback, it’s also part of the Amazon’s Choice list for its cumulated benefits.

Main Features

+400 steam hoes

5 electronic fabric settings

Titanium-ceramic soleplate

1700W power

Swivel water tank lid

Design & Usability

If the iron doesn’t use an advanced heating system like the SALAV model, the number of steam holes will be crucial for its design and performance. The 13102 features more than 400 such holes (100 more than its predecessor), ensuring full steam coverage. The soleplate is made from ceramic infused with titanium, the same blend that the company uses for their hair styling utensils.

The CHI 13102 iron has five temperature levels based on fabrics. Therefore, you can choose linen, cotton, wool, silk or synthetic, according to the items you intend on ironing. A neat feature is that your setting lights up and remains lighted on the temperature control panel throughout the whole process. The 8-foot retractable cord also comes in handy when using or storing the iron.

Quality & Performance

There are slim chances of finding a poor quality product on Amazon that has a 4.4-star rating from hundreds of customers. All the same, there are some isolated complaints of the CHI’s soleplate color fading in time. Some customers also left negative reviews stating that the iron left stains or streaks on their garments. Nevertheless, in both situations, there were only a handful of reports compared to the majority of satisfied users.

We believe the CHI iron’s huge average rating has a lot to do with its performance. The model produces a massive amount of steam, thanks to the myriad of hoes in the soleplate. Furthermore, the 13102 is noted for providing a strong and effortless press. One aspect you should be careful with is the amount of water you put into the tank. We recommend that you don’t fill it up to the top line so you can prevent leakage.

Appliances – whether large or handheld – are the types of items that you usually spend a bit more on. One of the reasons, obviously, is that you will be able to count on the product for years on end. However, we know that not everyone can afford to invest in the best steam iron with premium quality. In this situation, what’s the solution at hand?

Find an inexpensive model from a reputed brand, just like the BLACK+DECKER IR40V. When we were creating our guide, the IR40V was the #1 best steam iron according to sales on Amazon. We’re sure that its best-seller label was also achieved through its incredibly low price – approximately $17. It’s definitely the cheapest unit on our list, even less expensive than the travel-size model.

Main Features

TrueGlide non-stick soleplate

SmartSteam technology

6 fabric levels

Spray mist button

3-position automatic shutoff

Design & Usability

From a design standpoint, the BACK+DECKER IR40V is pretty much your standard, everyday steam iron. It has average measurements and weight, although it’s on the light side compared to more expensive models. While it may be a disadvantage for effective pressing, the light weight is a pro for users who struggle with joint pain. The model also features a spray mist button you can press for a burst of steam.

With the IR40V, you get six temperature levels for various fabrics, including synthetic, nylon/ silk, polyester/ rayon, bend, wool and cotton/ linen. It’s simple to maneuver by users of all ages, whether they’re children or seniors. Essentially, the IR40V should be fine for your basic steam ironing requirements, specifically for diverse garments.

Quality & Performance

We were expecting a few quality drawbacks with such an affordable model. The most notable one is the large amount of water that the unit tends to leak (at least for some users). We also found some safety hazard reports due to leakage and even alleged melting, but there were too few to result in a well-known defect. Aside from these, the IR40V is actually quite the reliable budget iron.

The iron’s performance is generally satisfying for most customers, especially when it comes to steam. Not only are large amounts of steam generated during every session, but the steam production is steady from beginning to end. The area where the 1200W unit is lacking is versatility – the model has no on/ off switch, meaning that you have to unplug it or allow it to shut off automatically. Additionally, the user cannot adjust the steam in any way, due to the SmartSteam auto system.

When selecting the best steam iron of the entire year, we took a number of definitive aspects into consideration. Among them, we can identify positive consumer feedback, helpful features, powerful steam, brand reputation, and overall user-friendly experience. The model that truly met all of our criteria was the Rowenta DW5080 Focus.

Rowenta is known as one of the most dependable iron brands in the industry. The DW5080 is one of their budget models, with a current Amazon list price of $100. You can get it for even less if you catch one of their promotions on the digital marketplace. The model has a wonderful 4.3-star average rating from more than 4,000 customer reviews, and it’s also the #2 best-selling Iron on the platform.

Main Features

400 steam hole design

1700W power

35 g/min continuous steam output

100 g/min steam burst

3-way auto shutdown

Design & Usability

The DW5080 Focus was designed for comfort, efficiency, and even aesthetics. With a tan and white design, it’s quite an eye-pleasing iron that you can afford to forget lying around your house. The made-in-Germany unit features Rowenta’s precision knob, enabling you to closely adjust the temperature. The main settings are nylon, silk, wool, cotton, and linen, but you can choose any detailed setting in between.

Rowenta’s DW5080 has a thoughtful design feature that few other competing modes do. Even though the majority of steam irons have a pointy design, the tip on the Focus model is significantly sharp and abrupt. To put it otherwise, you’ll have a much easier time ironing collars, pleats, and other hard-to-reach details. You can also feel free to use the vertical steam feature for hanging garments, curtains, or drapes.

Quality & Performance

When you think it’s too good to be true, it almost always is. We’re not saying that the DW5080 is in any way unworthy of its #1 spot on our list, just that it has some quality cons to consider. Multiple users state that the model is inferior compared to other Rowenta units – but it’s also far less expensive. Moreover, there is a recurring issue with leakage from the back of the iron after a few months of use.

Other than that, the DW5080 produces a tremendous amount of steam, when used both traditionally and vertically. The model heats up happily fast, not to mention that it glides over fabrics like butter. An anti-calcium self-cleaning system, 3-way automatic shutoff, and an impressive 35 g/min. constant steam output. All in all, it’s a fine model fit for all budgets from the most respected company in the game.

The Verdict

In closing, the best steam iron can vary from user to user. For example, the perfect model for a tailor will not coincide with the top choice of a stay-at-home parent. Therefore, it’s best to narrow down your best options through a series of relevant questions:

Power – Do I need a high-power steam iron that can work for hours at a time? Is a model that uses less than 1000W enough for my work?

Style – Am I also interested in vertical steaming with my iron?

Size – Do I require a hand-sized model for traveling, or do I prefer traditional design?

Auto features – Is auto shutoff a deal-breaker for me? What about a self-cleaning system?

Weight – Should I get a lighter iron because I suffer from arthritis/ joint pain? Would I rather buy a heavier model for easy pressing?

To make sure that your clothes look like a million bucks at all times, it’s also wise to invest in a good washer and dryer. Now, we want to know your thoughts – what steam iron would you recommend to your friends and family? Shoot a comment below!

The PBR Editorial Team takes care that all the articles on the website are up to date and relevant to your interests. If any article you stumble upon seems outdated, leave us a comment and we’ll get to it! We’re already doing the best we can to keep everything nice and neat, but our schedule might have missed something so do let us know!

Mandy Tess

This reminds me that I haven’t ironed in a long time. It’s kind of embarrassing actually. Though I like what I’ve read about the Finether model. I don’t need anything elaborate and fancy. Wouldn’t an extension cord solve the short cord issue?

Kati

I trust Sunbeam because it’s a well known make and the products are generally good. That includes its iron. It may overheat but all you have to do is keep a good eye on it and it will be fine. It will do the job well too.